James Paterson - USA winger playing Super Rugby

When New Zealands two South Island Super Rugby teams, the Crusaders and the Highlanders went head-to-head in Nelson in a round 10 Super Rugby match it would not be an All Black stealing the headlines, but rather a USA rugby player. 2005 USA Under 19 player, James Paterson, scored two of the Highlanders three tries as they completed a rare away victory over the tournaments most successful team of all time. His form has been rewarded as his name was one of 50 included in the USA Eagles Rugby World Cup training squad. Paterson´s call up to the senior USA squad comes six years after representing the USA Under 19 team at the 2005 Under 19 World Cup in South Africa. He was so impressive for the North Americans that he returned to play in the 2006 Under 19 World Cup in Dubai and was given the honor of captaining the side.

His performances had attracted the interest of rugby authorities in New Zealand with the Crusaders signing him in 2006 in conjunction with a scholarship to Lincoln University. He went on to play for Canterbury in the 2008 and 2009 New Zealand Championship´s before accepting an offer to play for Southland in 2010. His move to Southland was part of a deal to play Super Rugby for the Highlanders in the 2010 season. Paterson was born in New Zealand but his mother is from the United States. He started playing rugby in 1999 in Christchurch after returning from Romania where his family had been living for eight years. After four years in Christchurch the family moved to Colorado and Paterson took up high school American Football. He was also involved in creating the Colorado Springs High School Rugby Club which won the 2005 state championship and has continued to be a strong side ever since. From there Paterson got the call up to play for the USA under 19 side.

Gonzalo Tiesi - World Class outside centre

At the Age of 19 Gonzalo Tiesi made his international debut for Argentina against South Africa in December 2004. Such was the talent shown by the centre at such a young age. Tiesi had impressed the national selectors playing for Northern Buenos Aires club, San Isidro (SIC) and for the Argentina under 19 team. His rapid rise to the national team was not only a result of his potential but also the fact that the international vs South Africa fell outside of the IRB´s test window. Two months latter he was in Wellington and Los Angles playing for the Pumas Rugby Sevens team in the IRB World Seves Series. His second test appearance came in April 2005 vs Japan the day before his 20th birthday in a match which featured the debut of Tiesi´s close friend Juan Leguizamón.

The bond was extended as both Tiesi and Leguizamón picked up professional contracts in England for the 2005-2006 season. They both signed for English Premiership club, London Irish and stayed there for three seasons. Tiesi had a successful time at Harlequins, scoring three tries for the western London side. Searching for more game time, however, Tiesi moved to the other side of the city to join the Harlequins on a two year deal from 2008-2010. At the Quins Tiesi indeed got more game time and played in bigger matches. He was a regular in he 13 shirt including in the sides Heineken Cup matches. But after two seasons, and five in total in England, Tiesi left for Paris to play in the Top 14 for Stade Français. His move to the Parisian club saw him link up again with Leguizamón as well as a number of other pumas players and getting plenty of game time at both outside and inside centre. He did have a season influenced by injury, however, but still played 16 matches for Stade Français.



As of June 2011, Gonzalo Tiesi has played 29 test matches for Argentina. He has faced a variety of opposition and has thus far scored eight test tries. He was Argentina´s first choice 13 in 2006 playing six tests against teams including Chile, England, New Zealand, Uruguay and Wales. He ran in two tries in one of the two tests agsint the Welsh which seemed to underline his potential. It was not to be such an easy ride, however, as Tiesi was injured playing against England in Argentina´s first tour test in November that year. He would not play international rugby again until Rugby World Cup 2007 in which he played three matches for Los Pumas and had injury concerns. He started matches agaisnt Georgia and Namibia, scoring a try against the Africans. Sicne France 2007, Tiesi has been Los Pumas first choice outside centre and has only missed out on selection when unavaliable through injury or club commitments. He has played only against European opposition during this period, including three tests vs England, three vs France, two vs Italy and five vs Scotland, for two tries. When he has been unavaliable, Argentina have not been the same and his challenge must now be to step forward to become one of the worlds premier centres, something he certainly has the ability to realize. He has, without question, taken control of the Pumas 13 shirt and has been impressive and with Rugby World Cup 2011 fast approaching, Tiesi is a player to watch out for and one with a lot to offer the global game as he is still only 26 years old.
 

Canada name 50 man Rugby World Cup Training Squad

Canada´s rugby coach, Kieran Crowley, has announced a list fo 50 players which will be cut to 30 for Rugby World Cup 2011. It gives the coach an opportunity to determine exactly who he wants to take to New Zealand. It also gives the players an opportunity to impress by proving themselves against their competitors. All players from the recent Churchill Cup in England have been included in the group of 50 with 31 year old hooker Pat Riordan confirmed as captain for the tournament. Two players missing from the squad are Glasgow Warriors prop, Kevin Tkachuk and Mont-de-Marsan secondrower Josh Jackson. Despite experience and professional status both have been left out in preference for others.

50 Man Squad
Hookers

Ryan Hamilton (B.C. Bears)
Mike Pletch (Ontario Blues)
Pat Riordan (B.C. Bears)

Props

Hubert Buydens (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Tom Dolezel (Ontario Blues)
Scott Franklin (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Jason Marshall (B.C. Bears)
Andrew Tiedemann ( Prairie Wolf Pack)
Frank Walsh (The Rock)
Doug Wooldridge (Ontario Blues)

Second Row

Brett Beukeboom (Ontario Blues)
Jamie Cudmore (Clermont, France)
Brian Erichsen (B.C. Bears)
Mitch Gudgeon (B.C. Bears)
Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion, England)
Jon Phelan (The Rock)
Luke Tait (Ontario Blues)

Back Row

Tyler Ardron (Ontario Blues)
Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion, England)
Nanyak Dala (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Adam Kleeburger (Auckland, New Zealand)
Jeremy Kyne (Prairie Wolfpack)
Stan McKeen (Oxford University, England)
John Moonlight (Ontario Blues)
Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock)
Kevin Parfrey (The Rock)
Jebb Sinclair (The Rock)
Sean Michael-Stephen (Plymouth Albion, England)

Scrum-halves

Kyle Armstrong (Ontario Blues)
Ed Fairhurst (B.C. Bears)
Jamie Mackenzie (Esher, England)
Sean White (B.C. Bears)
Eric Wilson (B.C. Bears)

Fly-halves

Connor Braid (B.C. Bears)
Nathan Hirayama (B.C. Bears)
Ander Monro (Ontario Blues)

Centres

Nick Blevins (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Conor Trainor (B.C. Bears)
Phil Mackenzie (Esher, England)
Mike Scholz (Prairie Wolf Pack)
DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
Tyler Wish (The Rock)

Wingers

Sean Duke (B.C. Bears)
Justin Mensah-Coker (B.C. Bears)
Jeff Hassler (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Ciaran Hearn (The Rock)
Taylor Paris (Ontario Blues)

Fullbacks

Matt Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales)
James Pritchard (Bedford, England)


With Thanks: www.rugbycanada.ca

Canada vs France, Rugby World Cup 1991

In Rugby World Cup 1991 Canada faced France in the Final match of Pool D. France looked like taking out the group undefeated after having defeated Romania by scores of 30-3 and Fiji by 33-9. Canada were in second spot after defeating Fiji 13-3 and Romania 19-11. Both teams were confirmed as Quarter Finalists with the remaining match set to determine who would face Pool A winners New Zealand and Pool A runners-up, England. In a very competitive match played in the South-Western French city of Agen, the Europeans outscored the North Americans by two tries to one in completing a 19-13 victory.

The result underlined Canada as a highly competitive side as not only a World Cup Quarter Finalist but also a team that would go on to have some impressive results in the following years. In the years between Rugby World Cup 1991 and 1995 Canada would go on to complete an impressive set of results including a famous 26-24 win vs Wales at Cardiff and a 15-13 win vs England in Burnaby in 1993 and an 18-16 victory over France in 1994. Canada were unable to make the 1995 Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals based on the pool opposition in which Canada were pooled with both Australia and South Africa. 

2011 Sur Americano B Tournament Details

Consur has confirmed that the 2011 Sur Americano B tournament will take place from August 20-27 in Peru. The host national will be defending its title from 2010 against Colombia, Costa Rica and Venezuela with each side playing the other. CONSUR has also taken the opportunity to have the Sur Americano B junior championship take place with the same four countries being represented. An interesting alternation to the traditional round-robin tournament will see the winners of the first round facing the losers in round 2 rather than having a fixed opponent already known. Peru as hosts and 2010 winners enter as favorites while Colombia and Venezuela will both be looking for improvements and targetting a win to lift the trophy. Costa Rica´s continued participation in the tournament enables the Central American country to play at a higher level than what would otherwise happen against neighbouring countries.

Match Schedule

Juniors
Saturday August 20 Colombia vs Costa Rica
Saturday August 20 Peru vs Venezuela

Tuesday August 23 Winner Match 1 vs Loser Match 2

Tuesday August 23 Winner Match 2 vs Loser Match 1

Friday August 26 Match vs remaining rival
Friday August 26 Match vs remaining rival

Adults

Sunday August 21 Peru vs Costa Rica
Sunday August 21 Colombia vs Venezuela

Wednesday August 24 Winner Match 1 vs Loser Match 2
Wednesday August 24 Winner Match 2 vs Loser Match 1

Saturday August 27 Match vs remaining rival
Saturday August 27 Match vs remaining rival

With Thanks: http://www.consur.org/

 

Tarbes Pyrénées sign Matias Viazzo

Following the relegation of Bourgoin to the Pro d2 28 year old Argentine centre Matias Viazzo will be continuing his professional rugby career in France and for a second division side but not Bourgoin. Tarbes Pyrénées Rugby have signed the uncapped Argentine centre following a four year stint playing in the Top 14 for Bourgoin. Four years of top flight rugby was not enough for Viazzo to break into the top Los Pumas squad but he ahs been involved in matches for Argentina A and has played two matches for Argentina against lower rated opposition. Viazo played against both Chile and Uruguay in the 2010 South American Championship and scored a try against Los Teros. He has also represented Argentina at under 21 level.

Viazzo´s professional career dates back to 2005 when the man from Mendoza took up an offer to play in France for former Top 14 club, Béziers. The club is an eleven time French Champion but was relegated to the Pro d2 in 2006 and today is a part of France´s third division. Viazzo played one season for the club while it was in the Top 14 before taking an offer to play for Bourgoin for whom he was a regular starter over a four year period. The three first years were positive with the club competing well but the final year was disasterous as Bourgoin won only two matches in the Top 14 to finish last and be eliminated. Viazzo was played continously out of position at both scrumhalf and flyhalf. With the clubs relegation many players have moved on to other clubs and at 28 years of age Viazzo has an oportunity of trying to help Bourgoin get back to where it belongs in the top flight of French rugby.

Omar Hasan - The Best Tight-Head prop in the history of Rugby World Cup?

Former Argentine international tight-head prop, Omar Hasan, is one of five players nominated as being the best tight-head prop in the history of the Rugby World Cup. Hasan played at three Rugby World Cup´s and was regarded as the best scrumager at France 2007 when Argentina, despite losing to South Africa, were very competitive in this area of the game. Hasan was a bronze medalist for Los Pumas as he started in the 3 shirt in the Bronze Final victory over France, scoring a try in the process. His international career lasted over a decade following his debut vs Uruguay in 1995. In total Hasan played 65 test matches for Argentina, 12 of which were Rugby World Cup matches. He is also a French champion having won the French Top 14 championshpi in his last ever rugby match before retiring in 2008. He was also a Heineken Cup champion for Toulouse in 2005 and even played Super Rugby for both the Hurricanes and the Brumbies in New Zealand and Australia. Off the rugby field, Hasan is an accomplished Opera singer having performed in front of sizeable audiences and has sung the Argentine international anthem in France as a part of the pre-match rituals.

The five candidates for the best Tight-head prop in the history of the Rugby World Cup are: Omar Hasan (Argentina), Ewen McKenzie (Australia), Olo Brown (New Zealand), Jean-Pierre Garuet (France) and Phil Vickery (England). You can vote for Hasan, or one of the others on facebook or Twitter by accessing the Total Rugby page on either of these two social networks.

Argentina 2023 - Make a Statement

                                     Map showing FIFA World Cup hosts from 1930-2022

Is rugby truely a global sport? This is the central question that the IRB need to answer when determining future Rugby World Cup hosts. If the answer is yes then the question is why will Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have hosted or co-hosted two or more World Cup´s before the Americas continents have ever hosted one? On the other hand, if the answer is no then there is a clear need to prevent the previous hosts from hosting again. Surely new hosts are needed to demonstrate that, whether percieved or not, rugby has the world in mind and is looking well beyond the traditional frontiers. This is where Argentina stands out head and shoulders above all other potential hosts as it is the only semi finalist in the history of the Rugby World Cup to never have hosted and it can tick all the necessary boxes ranging from rugby in the country to comercial viability to history to stadiums.

Argentina hosted the 1978 FIFA World Cup and did so using six stadiums that have all seen Los Pumas play international rugby matches in recent years. The country also hosted the 2011 Copa América soccer tournament which featured twelve countries from the Americas with matches being played at eight venues across the country. All of the host cities have also all hosted international rugby matches in recent years. Not only have Los Pumas utilized different cities for international matches, but they have also received strong support with Argentine fans showing up in big number to support their team.

In addition to Argentina, five other countries from the Americas have hosted FIFA World Cup´s. The first ever World Cup was hosted by Uruguay in 1930, Brazil hosted in 1950, Chile in 1962, Mexico in 1970 and 1986, the USA in 1994 and Brazil will host its second FIFA World Cup in 2014. The Americas have not only hosted a large number of FIFA World Cup tournaments but have also been highly successful in the tournaments themselves. Nine of the nineteen FIFA World Cup´s to this day have been won by South American countries. Brazil have won five times and both Argentina and Uruguay have won twice each. Two others have been semi finalists in the form of Chile and the USA. The remaining ten FIFA World Cup´s have all been won by European countries, as shown on the subsequent map.

In the history of the FIFA World Cup there has never been a finalist from a country from outside of Europe or South America. In nineteen tournaments, only once have countries from other parts of the world made it to the semi finals. South Korea and Turkey were losing finalists in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Despite such a lack of genuine global competitiveness, Soccer World Cup hosts have been increasingly becoming global. Japan and South Korea hosted the 2002 event, South Africa hosted 2010 and Russia and Qatar have been confirmed to host in 2018 and 2022. None of these teams have done what Los Pumas have done in rugby -  finshing third in a World Cup. The IRB needs to stand tall and make a statement to the world. Not only can future tournament hosts come from new places but they ought to as well. Rugby World Cup 2023 should go to Argentina. It would be making a huge statement - having a Rugby World Cup in the Soccer continent.

Basic mistakes let down Canada in Churchill Cup Final

Canada finished second in the 2011 Churchill Cup after going down 37-6 to the England Saxons on Saturday. The professional make up of the English side proved to be the difference but Canada performed well despite letting themselves down with basic errors. It was a close contest in the first half with England leading 15-6 at the break but the secondhalf was an entirely different affair as the scorecard blew out. Despite the loss, Canada walked away knoing that they had performed well in the competition and were in good shape heading into the final stage of preperation for Rugby World Cup 2011. A number of players put their hands up for places in the Canadian World Cup squad with notably backrower, Chauncey O´Toole winning the prestigious player of the tournament award.

The final was in fact the last ever Churchill Cup match as the compeition will not be continued in the future. In its place both Canada and the United States will be involved in June international tours in a similar fashion to Argentina as part of the IRB´s global rugby calendar which is to start in 2012. This will see both Canada and the USA recieving an increased number of high profile international visitors and playing a greater number of test matches and opponents.

USA name 50 man training squad

USA Eagles national coach, Eddie O´Sullivan has named a prelimerary squad of 50 players which will be cut to 30 for New Zealand 2011. The squad will train together and play three tests in August before the cut-off-date of August 22nd when all teams must submit their Rugby World Cup squad of 30 players to the IRB. O´Sullivan´s squad of 5o players includes 36 forwards and 24 backs including players based in England, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and from all corners of the United States. The side will be captained by backrower, Todd Clever.

The USA players have an exciting six weeks ahead before the first international vs Canada in Toronto. The schedule of three matches in fifteen days is ideal preperation for New Zealand 2011.

Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Schedule

August 6 Canada vs USA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

August 13 USA vs Canada, Glendale, Colorado, USA
August 21 Japan vs USA, Tokyo, Japan

Forwards

Inaki Basauri (L' Aquila, Italy)
Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians)
Ryan Chapman (Utah Warriors)
Todd Clever (Suntory Sungoliath, Japan)
Pat Danahy (Life University)
Cameron Dolan (Life University) Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks)
JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa)
Matt Hawkins (Belmont Shore)
Nic Johnson (L' Aquila, Italy)
Will Johnson (London Irish, England)
Tom Katzfey (New York Athletic Club)
Danny LaPrevotte (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Scott LaValla (Stade Français, France)
Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
Samu Manoa (Northampton Saints, England)
Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club)
Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93, France)
Alec Parker (Glendale)
Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)
Anthony Purpura (Boston Rugby)
Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
Louis Stanfill (Mogliano, Italy)
Phil Thiel (Life University)
John van der Giessen (Utah Warriors)

Backs:

Paul Emerick (Life University)
Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)
Troy Hall (New York Athletic Club)
Colin Hawley (Olympic Club)
Nese Malifa (Glendale)
Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
Folau Niua (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Thretton Palamo (University of Utah)
Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors)
James Paterson (Otago Highlanders, New Zealand)
Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
Volney Rouse (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Blaine Scully (University of California - Berkeley)
Robbie Shaw (Bristol, England)
Junior Sifa (Nottingham, England)
Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby)
Shalom Suniula (Unattached)
Kevin Swiryn (Agen, France)
Zack Test (Unattached)
Pate Tuilevuka (Old Puget Sound Beach)
Seta Tuilevuka (Montpellier, France)
Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England)
Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)

New Stars since 2007 - Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga

Argentina were given a massive challenge ahead of Los Pumas November 2009 tour of England, Wales and Scotland with the unavaliability of seasoned professionals due to injury. Leading players in the positions of flyhalf and inside centre were out injured creating a huge problem for the coaching staff. Pumas coach, Santiago Phelan was forced into making some significant changes and one such change dmonstrated both courage and confidence in a number of players. Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga was selected for the European tour as an uncapped player. He had never played for Argentina, not even in a South American international against Chile or Uruguay. With no Avramovic, Bosch or Contepomi Argentina opted to use the uncapped Rodríguez Gurruchaga as an inside centre rather than his club position of fullback. This meant a test debut for Rodríguez Gurruchaga vs England at Twickenham and he was the goalkicker. He went on to start all three tests and remarkably scored all of Argentina´s points in every match in the 12 shirt outside another amateur, Santiago Fernández. Despite having a 10-12 amateur combination, Argentina were nonetheless very competitive and Rodríguez Gurruchaga snatched a win for Argentina with a late drop goal against Scotland.



Following his impressive performances on the 2009 European tour, Rodríguez Gurruchaga was singled out as a player for the future and in the subsequent months he received an offer from Stade Français with whom he played his first professional season of rugby in the 2010-2011 season. He played at both fullback and inside centre and enjoyed success in both positions. His first season as a professional very nearly had him being a Paris hero after he landed a long range drop goal in the 2011 Amlin Challenge Cup Final to put Stade Français 18-12 ahead with only six minutes of play remaining. Ironically, it took another young Pumas back to deny the Parisians the championship as Gonzalo Camacho scored a try in the final minutes. It was a bad ending to a forgettable season for Stade Français but at the same time a strong ending to what was an impressive debut season as a professional for Rodríguez Gurruchaga.



Born April 12, 1985 in Rosario, Rodríguez Gurruchaga´s quick rise to stardom came as a result of coming through the ranks of Argentine domestic rugby. He made his debut in Argentine colors in December 20006 for Argentina as a Sevens player for the IRB World Sevens events in South Africa and Dubai and also played in the London and Edinburgh events in 2007. Rodríguez Gurruchaga was then a star for Argentina in Sevens Rugby the following season as he played every tournament of the IRB World Sevens series including Argentina´s win in San Diego, California and the World Cup in Dubai in which he was a part of the Silver Medal winning side. His performances resulted in a call up to Los Jaguares (Argentina A) for whom he played against the England Saxons in the 2009 Churchill Cup and scored 12 points.

Since making his test debut vs England he has moved to his favored position of fullback where he has become Argentina´s first choice player. As of June 2011, Rodríguez Gurruchaga has played nine international matches for Argentina against opposition including England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. He has scored 42 points, including tries against Italy and Wales and looms as Argentina´s permanent goalkicker in the event that Felipe Contepomi were to retire from international duty after New Zealand 2011. The two will be clubmates at Stade Français after Rugby World Cup 2011. The skills and promise shown by Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga in his first season of top flight rugby make him a player to look out for in the future. He was one of Stade Français´ best players and arguable the clubs best back in just his first season. He is certain to feature at fullback for Argentina at New Zealand 2011 and to be a key player for Los Pumas in the tournament and beyond.

USA vs Italy - 1991 Rugby World Cup

The USA had a successful debut to the Rugby World Cup, when in 1987 the North Americans defeated Japan. Four years on, however, the United States was given the pool from hell as the USA took on Italy, England and New Zealand in Pool A. At the time 16 teams rather than 20 competed for the William Webb  Ellis Trophy and the USA could not have hoped for a worse draw. The USA, nonetheless played some positive rugby and went on to score tries in two of its three matches. The first match, vs Italy, was expected to be the best featuring the USA and indeed it proved to be the lowest scoring. The USA, to its credit, were able to compete in various parts of the game vs both New Zealand and England and despiten going through the tournament winless, were certainly deserving participants and were laying the foundations for future USA teams to attempt to do better.

Andrés Bordoy to play for Section paloise

The most surprizing player selected to travel as part of the Los Pumas squad of 39 players to Pensacola, Florida in July is uncapped frontrower Andrés Bordoy. Los Pumas head coach, Santiago Phelan stated that Bodoy´s ability of playing both prop and hooker was the reason for his inclusion. Andrés Bordoy is uncapped but has appeared for Argentina´s A side known as Los Jaguares. He is nevertheless, a professional player based in France. He played in the 2010-2011 French Top 14 Championship for La Rochelle who finished thirteenth and as such have been relegated back to the Pro 22 for the 2011-2012 season. Bordoy will be playing in the Pro d2 but not for La Rochelle. Rather he will be playing for another former Top 14 side in the form of Section paloise, in the South-Western French city of Pau.

The club is the former home of Pumas secondrower Patricio Albacete and has an impressive history including being a semi finalist of the 1998 Heineken Cup and 2005 European Challenge Cups. The club won the 2000 European Challenge Cup and is a three time French champion, msot recently in 1964. Pau finished in 9th place of 16 in the 2010-2011 Pro d2 and will be targetting a place in the Top 5 in the new season to try to get back into the Top 14.

USA defeat Russia in Churchill Cup

The USA Eagles recorded an important 32-25 victory over the Russian Bears in the Bowl Final of the 2011 Churchill Cup in Worcester, England. The USA victory means that the North Americans will head into the much anticipated Rugby World Cup clash against Russia with the upper hand. More importantly, however, the USA were able to show resolve as the Eagles notched up its first win of the Churchill Cup after failing to perform against the England Saxonas and Tonga. Russia performed very well and were unlucky not to have won the match but in the end tries from the USA at important times saw the Eagles win the contest.

The game was defined by the two periods themselves with the first half being a dour affair with the sides going into halftime with the scored locked at 8-8. Russian flyhalf Yuri  Kushnarev put the first points on the board with an early penalty in the first minute. The Eagles hit back four minutes latter as flyhalf Nese Malifa slotted his first penalty of the afternoon. USA centre, Paul Emerick, scored the first try in the 23rd minute to put the Eagles 8-3 ahead as flyhalf Nese Malifa failed with his conversion attempt. Russia hit back soon thereafter as left winger, Vladimir Ostroushko, went over in the 30th minute to level the scores. It was also unconverted.

Russia started the second half well. After the flyhalves exchanged penalties, secondrower Alexander Voytov went over for a converted try in the 51st minute. The USA made it 18-18 six minutes latter as inside centre Andrew Suniula went over for the Eagles. Russia had reason to feel hard done by as USA captain, Todd Clever snapped up an interception to run 70 metres and put the USA 25-18 ahead following Malifa´s conversion. Russia, however, made it 25-25 with fifteen minutes left to play as the Northampton Saints bound winger, Vasily Artemyev danced his way through the USA defence. It was to be an Eagles victory, however, as 22 year old USA debutant, Taivalu Enosa scored the games final points with seven minutes left on the clock.

Mauricio Guidone to play in France for Mont-de-Marsan

The number of young Argentine players picking up professional contracts continues to grow following the confirmation that 23 year old Argentine prop Mauricio Guidone has signed to play in France for Mont-de-Marsan in France´s second division, the Pro d2. Guidone is to join the South-Western French team on a one year contract in what is to be his first professional deal. He is a part of the Los Jaguares team participating right now in the IRB Nations Cup in Romania. He was selected for Los Jaguares following impressive form for Los Pampas XV in South Africa´s Vodacom Cup. Guidone was the teams regular loosehead prop and follows his fellow Pampas XV frontrow colleagues to France with Maximiliano Bustos and Agustín Creevy both joining Montpellier, Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro will play for Stade Français and Roan Guillermo will be joining the London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership.

In addition to playing prop for Los Jaguares, Guidone has also played representaitve rugby at hooker including for Argentina in the recent 2011 South American Championship where he was hooker vs Uruguay. Guidone will have a fellow Argentine at the club in the form of uncapped secondrower, Leandro Cedaro. The clubs is also home to Canadian international secondrower, Josh Jackson.

Mont-de-Marsan, also known as Stade Montois, are looking to get back into the French Top 14 for the first time since 2008-2009.

The 40 final candidates for Argentina Rugby World Cup 2011 Squad.

On Friday afternoon Los Pumas head coach, Santiago Phelan, named a list of 39 players to travel to the U.S. city of Pensacola, Florida to train in a two week extensive athletic program from July 3-17. Only one player not selected remains in contention for a place at Rugby World Cup 2011, Juan Martín Hernández. El Mago was not selected as he will remain in Paris to continue his rehabilitation following picking up a severe knee injury fowhile playing for Racing Metro earlier in the year. Phelan´s squad includes a number of surprizes such as, Andrés Bordoy, who has been picked following his impressive season for La Rochelle in the Top 14 and positive performances this month for Los Jagures in the IRB Nations Cup in Romania. His selection is based on the fact that he is capable of playing both prop and hooker.

The inclusion of Bordoy means there is no place for Toulouse hooker, Alberto Vernet Basulado or Gloucester hooker Matias Cortese. Other professional players to have missed out on selection include Juan Pablo Orlandi (Racing Metro), Horacio San Martín (Aironi) and Ignacio Mieres (Exeter Chiefs). The side has a number of players from Los Pampas XV, the Vodacom Cup Champions. Those included are Gabriel Ascarate, Maximilano Bustos, Agustín Creevy, Julio Farias Cabello, Genaro Fessia, Mariano Galarza, Agustín Gozio, Juan Imhoff and Nicólas Sanchez.

Of the 40 players (including Juan Martín Hernández) 30 will represent Argentina at Rugby World Cup 2011. The campaign for Argentina to host Rugby World Cup 2023 wishes the players the best of luck on being selected.

List of 39 players
1 AGULLA, Horacio (Leicester Tigers, England)
2 ALBACETE, Patricio (Stade Toulousian, France)
3 ASCARATE, Gabriel (Tucumán)
4 AYERZA, Marcos (Leicester Tigers, England)
5 BORDOY, Andres (Pau, France)
6 BORGES, Lucas (Albi, France)
7 BOSCH, Marcelo (Biarritz Olympique, France)
8 BUSTOS MOYANO, Martín (Montepellier, France)
9 BUSTOS, Maximilano (Montpellier, France)
10 CAMACHO, Gonzalo (Exeter, England)
11 CAMPOS, Alejandro (Agen, France)
12 CARBALLO, Rafael (Union Bordeaux Begles, France)
13 CARIZZA, Manuel (Biarritz Olympique, France)
14 CONTEPOMI, Felipe (Stade Français, France)
15 CREEVY, Agustín (Montpellier, France)
16 FARIAS CABELLO, Julio (Tucumán)
17 FERNANDEZ LOBBE, Juan Martín (Toulon, France)
18 FERNANDEZ, Santiago (Montpellier, France)
19 FESSIA, Genaro (Córdoba Athletic)
20 FIGALLO, Juan (Montpellier, France)
21 FIGUEROLA, Agustín (Brive, France)
22 GALARZA, Mariano (Leinster, Ireland)
23 GALINDO, Alvaro (Racing Metro, France)
24 GONZALEZ AMOROSINO, Lucas (Montpellier, France)
25 GOSIO, Agustin (Club Newman)
26 GUIÑAZU, Eusebio (Biarritz Olympique, France)
27 GUZMÁN, Santiago (Tucumán)
28 IMHOFF, Juan José (Duendes R.C)
29 LALANNE, Alfredo (London Irish, England)
30 LEDESMA AROCENA, Mario Ezequiel (Clermont, France)
31 LEGUIZAMON, Juan (Lyon OU, France)
32 RODRIGUEZ GURRUCHAGA, Martín (Stade Français, France)
33 RONCERO, Rodrigo (Stade Français, France)
34 SANCHEZ, Nicolás (Tucumán)
35 SCELZO, Martín (Agen, France)
36 SENATORE, Leonardo (G.E.R Rosario)
37 TIESI, Gonzalo (Stade Français, France)
38 VALLEJOS, Tomas (Harlequins, England)
39 VERGALLO, Nicolás (Stade Toulousian, France)

2011 Churchill Cup Final

The 2011 Churchill Cup Champion will be crowned on Saturday with the England Saxons looking to repeat their success from 2010 by defeating Canada in what is to be a repeat fixture. The final is to be played at Sixways Stadium in Worcester and will be a part of a three match finals day with Tonga taking on Italy A and the USA facing Russia. Canada have named a strong side, albeiut not at full strenght given the unavaliablity of some players due to injury. While the Saxons lineup is a mixture of youth and experience of some future England international players and some who have represented England and others who will make the World Cup squad. Canada´s lineup includes eight players from the win over Russia and twelve from the win over Italy A. In talking with the official home of Canadian rugby, http://www.rugbycanada.ca/, coach Kieran Crowley stated that “It's the best squad available to us and it's a matter of managing the players we have. They're ready to go. If we can match them around the set piece I believe we'll be right in this game.”

The English side will be favorites to win another Churchill Cup as they have won five of the nine championships since the tournament began. Canada have named an attacking backlien to try to win the tournament including Matt Evans playing fullback and Ryan Smith at inside centre. The most interesting part of the game to watch, however, will be how Canada perform in the backrow as it has named a strong backrow which got the better of both Italy A and Russia and looms as the North Americans best weapon come New Zealand 2011.
Prediction: Canada to push the English hard in the first half but in the end go down by around 15 points as the superior fitness of the Saxons should see them home.

England Saxons

15 Mike Brown (Harlequins)
14 Charlie Sharples (Gloucester)
13 Henry Trinder (Gloucester)
12 Billy Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers)
11 Miles Benjamin (Worcester Warriors)
10 Rory Clegg (Harlequins)
9 Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
8 Jordan Crane captain (Leicester Tigers)
7 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)
6 James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
5 Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
4 Mouritz Botha (Saracens)
3 Matt Stevens (Saracens)
2 David Paice (London Irish)
1 Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors)

Reserves: 16 Joe Gray (Harlequins), 17 Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby), 18 Jamie Gibson (London Irish), 19 Carl Fearns (Sale Sharks), 20 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons), 21 Alex Goode (Saracens), 22 Topsy Ojo (London Irish)

Canada

1 Hubert Buydens (Prairie Wolf Pack)
2 Pat Riordan captain (B.C. Bears)
3 Jason Marshall (B.C. Bears)
4 Brian Erichsen (B.C. Bears)
5 Jamie Cudmore (Clermont, France)
6 Jebb Sinclair (The Rock)
7 Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock)
8 Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion, England)
9 Sean White (B.C. Bears)
10 Ander Monro (Ontario Blues)
11 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues, England)
12 Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack)
13 Phil Mackenzie (Esher, England)
14 Ciaran Hearn (The Rock)
15 Matt Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Reserves: 16 Andrew Tiedemann (Prairie Wolf Pack), 17. Scott Franklin (Prairie Wolf Pack), 18 Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion, England), 19 Nanyak Dala (Prairie Wolf Pack), 20 Jamie Mackenzie (Esher, England) 21 Nathan Hirayama (B.C. Bears), 22. Conor Trainor (B.C. Bears)

England Saxons vs Tonga


Canada vs Russia

USA vs Russia - Churchill Cup 2011 Preview

A match of massive significance will take place in western England tommorrow uin what is a preview of the much awaited clash to take place at Rugby World Cup 2011. The battle of the Cold War will give us all a chance to analyse both sides as Russia and the USA go head-to-head in Worcester. It is a full international with IRB World Rankings on the line and will be broadcast in both countries and around the world. Make no mistake, its a huge encounter. The match is also the second time in as many years that the sides have met in the Churchill Cup. The 2010 match took place in Denver, Colorado with both sides leading at different moments but the North Americans went on to win 39-22. The USA enter the match followig below par performances vs the England Saxons and Tonga. While Tonga competed well against both Canada and Italy A but were, in the end, winless.

Both sides have made changes, the USA notably making six but the side remains a shadow of being at full strength due to coach Eddie O'Sullivan missing a number of first choice players, especially in the backs. Aviva Premiership winning USA Eagle, Chris Wyles (Saracens) with miss the clash as will secondrower teammate Hayden Smith, Biarritz winger Taku Ngwenya, future Northampton secondrower Samu Manoa and USA veteran prop Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie). As such it is to be a last chance saloon for a number of players who will take the field in place of the seasoned professionals. Of the changes, notable Lou Stanfill contines to be tried in different positions and this time will place at 8. This will enable the USA to have a superior scrum with John van der Giessen joining Scott LaValla in the secondrow. The backrow looms as being the key for the USA Eagles with Mexican born Iñaki Basauri joining Stanfill and captain Todd Clever. This sees regular backrower, Nic Johnson take a  place on the bench. With Stanfill starting at 8 the USA have gone for two backrowers on the bench with Johnson being joined by Pat Danahy and Stanfill likely to cover secondrow should it be neccessary. JJ Gagiano is to miss the clash through injury.

The backs also feature a number of changes with Cal Golden Bear fullback, Blaine Scully, replacing Roland Suniula who had a forgettable match vs Tonga. Blair Scully is a player to have come through the ranks of USA rugby. He is an All-American and played at the IRB Sevens World Series in 2009-2010 as well as being selected for the 2010 Churchill Cup. His chance vs Russia looms as do-or-die. A place in New Zealand 2011 depends on his performance. Scully will team up with Agen winger Kevin Swiryn and Colin Hawley in the back-three.

Prediction: A match that could go either way. The USA to win a close game by under 5 points.

USA Eagles

15 Blaine Scully (University of California - Berkeley)
14 Colin Hawley (Olympic Club)
13 Paul Emerick (Life University)
12 Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
11 Kevin Swiryn (Agen, France)
10 Nese Malifa (Glendale)
9 Mike Petri (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales)
8 Louis Stanfill (Mogliano, Italy)
7 Todd Clever captain (Suntory Sungoliath, Japão)
6 Iñaki Basauri (L'Aquila, Italy)
5 Scott LaValla (Stade Francais, France)
4 John van der Giessen (Utah Warriors)
3 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)
2 Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate)
1 Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93, France)

Reserves: 16 Phil Thiel (Life University), 17 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), 18 Pat Danahy (Life University), 19 Nic Johnson (Unattached), 20 Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England), 21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), 22 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)

Russia

15 I. Klyuchnikov
14 V. Artemyev
13 M. Babaev
12 A. Makovetsky
11 V. Ostroushko
10 Y. Kushnarev
9 A. Shakirov
8 V. Grachev
7 A. Garbuzov
6 A. Temnov
5 D. Antonov
4 A. Voytov
3 I. Prishchepenko
2 V. Korshunov (capitão)
1 S. Popov

Reserves: 16 V. Tsnobiladze, 17 A. Chernyshev, 18 A. Panasenko, 19 V. Gresev, 20 A. Bykanov, 21 A. Ryabov, 22 I. Galinovsky

Agustín Pichot voted as best scrumhalf in the history of the Rugby World Cup

The call for Argentina to host Rugby World Cup 2023 has received another boost, this time from global rugby fans as Argentina´s 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cup captain, Agustín Pichot was voted in as the best scrumhalf in the history of Rugby World Cup´s. The voting took place on the social networks of Facebook and Twitter on the official Total Rugby pages. In being voted as number one, Pichot was chosen ahead of an eilte group of players including four Rugby World Cup champions. In doing so the contribution of Pichot to global rugby has been proven to be enormous as the man who led Los Pumas to third place at France 2007 is being remembered as the best in the business.

All time RWC World XV so far

15
14
13
12
11
10
9 Agustín Pichot (Argentina)
8 Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Guillermo Roan signs for London Wasps

22 year old prop, Guillermo Roan, has become the latest young Argentine player to join the exodus to Europe to play professional rugby after he confirmed he has signed a two year contract to play for Aviva Premiership side, the London Wasps. Roan has played four times for Argentina for four victories. All matches were South American Championship fixtures - two games vs Chile and two vs Uruguay playing as a tighthead prop. He has also represented Los Jaguares (Argentina A), scoring tries of the likes of Romania, Italy A and Scotland A. Roan has also played for age group Argentina sides. He played at the 2007 IRB Junior World Championship for Argentina and at times has even used as a secondrower. Roan´s move to England underlines the positive future of Argentine rugby as more of the country´s future international players are increasingly involved in professional teams in Europe.

London Wasps won the English Premiership in 2008 and last won the Heineken Cup in 2004. Roan joins the club in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season both in England and Europe.

Gonzalo Camacho signs for Exeter Chiefs

The Harlequins try scoring hero from the 2011 Amlin Challenge Cup Final, Gonzalo Camacho has agreed to terms with fellow English premiership club, the Exeter Chiefs with whom he will join following Rugby World Cup 2011 on a two year deal. Camacho´s move to the Chiefs follows two seasons with the Harlequins and a failure between the player and club to agree on a contract extention. Camacho is rumoured to have also been approached by fellow English side, Worcester and a number of French clubs. His move to Exeter will see him link up with uncapped Argentine flyhalf, Ignacio Mieres.

Gonzalo Camacho has played six tests for Argentina and played for his country in ten non-internationals, most recently vs the French Barbaians in a home match earlier this month. He has scored four tries in this six test appearances. He is likely to start for Los Pumas on the wing in New Zealand 2011.

New Stars since RWC 2007 - Marcelo Bosch

27 year old Marcelo Bosch is a player to watch out for as the countdown to Rugby World Cup 2011 continues. Bosch is now in the off-season as the European season has come to a close. The 2010-2011 season was a highly successful one for Bosch who played the full season for Biarritz after suffering season ending injuries in the two previous seasons, both of which required surgery with Bosch having shoulder and knee reconstruction. He has come a long way since the start of the 2010-2011 season and has been transformed into an outside centre after Biarritz had previously used Bosch as the clubs fullback before and earlier as flyhalf capable of playing inside centre. Bosch impressed in the 13 shirt for Biarritz to the extent that he played the entire season in this position for the club including the teams Heineken Cup Quarter Final clash vs Toulouse and Top 14 Quarter Final clash vs Clermont.

His natural position is at flyhalf but coincidently, it is a position in which Los Pumas are well served at the present while stocks at outside centre are not as strong. His season in the Biarritz 13 shirt was therefore extremely useful for Bosch and the Argentine rugby coaching staff as they prepare to select a squad for New Zealand 2011. Bosch had a solid 2010-2011 season for Biarritz at 13 and has made the position his own for the South-Western French club. Not only has he been able to make a successful transition to the midfield, but he has also stated that he no longer wants to play flyhalf. With age on his side there is plenty of reason to believe that Bosch could go far as a 13 and will give Gonzalo Tiesi a serious challegne for the Los Pumas 13 shirt.


Born in Buenos Aires on January 07 1984, Bosch went through the ranks in Argentine rugby en route to playing flyhalf for the Argentine Under 21 side in 2005. His next season proved to be life turning as Bosch made the senior Buenos Aires selection, the Argentina Rugby Sevens side and Argentina A. Bosch played flyhalf for Argentina A in the IRB Nations Cup against Italy A, Portugal and Russia and played in four IRB World Sevens legs in London, Los Angeles, Paris and Wellington. His performances attracted the attention of European clubs and hs joined Biarritz for the 2006-2007 season and has had his contract extended twice.



Before joining Biarritz in 2006, Bosch played for Belgrano Athletic Club in Buenos Aires. He made his test debut in 2007 vs Italy in Mendoza in a match which Los Pumas won 24-6. He missed out on selection for France 2007 after having only played one test due mainly to the fact that Argentina selected only 13 backs and Juan Martín Hernández was selected as a flyhalf rather than fullback. Bosch thus had to wait until June 2008 to play again for his country and started at inside centre vs Italy in Córdoba, kicking two penalty goals following Hernández´s departure from the match due to injury. After looking certain to feature for Argentina in the November 2008 tour of France, Italy and Ireland, Bosch was unavaliable due to injury which dominated his 2008-2009 season. He returned for the 2009-2010 season and was playing well at fullback before getting injured badly again which meant he missed all of Argentina´s matches in 2009. Fortunes appeared to have changed in the 2010-2011 season as Bosch was able to play the full season and was recalled to Los Pumas, starting at inside centre vs Ireland and replacing Santiago Fernández in the same position as a replacement vs France. Despite only playing four tests in as many years, Bosch is a highly talented player who will make the Pumas squad for New Zealand 2011 and looms as the ideal player for the bench as he has played flyhalf, inside centre, outside centre and fullback professionally. The poly-funcional Bosch looks set to shine on the world stage.


Marcelo Bosch por pepsiglass

Maximiliano Bustos signs for Montpellier

An all Pumas frontrow looms for Montpellier in 2011-2012 following the announcement that the French Top 14 runners-up for the 2010-2011 season, have confirmed the signature of 25 year old Argentine tighthead prop, Maximiliano Bustos on a two year contract with the option of an additional year. Bustos is uncapped but has made appearance for the Argentina A side known as Los Jaguares and made one appearance for Argentina in a non-international match vs the French Barbarians earlier this month. His appearances for Los Jaguares include matches against opposition including the BC Bears, Canada A, the Canada Selects, USA Selects and Tonga A in the 2009 and 2010 Americas Rugby Championship´s and vs Russia in Russia also in 2010.

Maximiliano Bustos will be joining Montpellier from his Argentine club, the University of Santa Fe. He was an important player for Los Pampas XV in the sides Vodacom Cup championship, reguarly starting in the 3 shirt. His move to France is to be his second professional contract after previously playing in Italy for L'Aquila. He is the third Argentine player to have signed for Montpellier for next season. Hooker Agustín Creevy also joins following impressiver performances for Los Pampas XV and is tipped to be Los Pumas first choice hooker following the retirement of Mario Ledesma after the World Cup. Winger Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino has also signed for Montpellier. The trio will link up with what is already an impressive list of Pumas players at the club with loosehead prop Juan Figallo, inside centre Santiago Fernández and winger Martín Bustos Moyano all having been regular players in the recently completed season. All three started in the Top 14 Final.

Canada vs Romania, Rugby World Cup 1991

Argentina is not the only country from the Americas to have reached the knock-out stages of a Rugby World Cup. In 1991, Canada finished second behind France in Pool D which saw the North Americans advance to the Quarter Finals where they faced the All Blacks in Lille. Canada performed very well, taking it the All Blacks in going down 29-13. The teams performances in Pool D were very impressive. The sides first match was against Fiji in Bayonne and it saw Canada win a low scoring match 13-3 with Scott Stewart scoring the games only try. Four days latter, Canada took on Romania in Toulouse. Both teams scored two tries each but Canada completed a 19-11 win thanks to a drop goal from Gareth Rees and three successful kicks at goal from Mark Wyatt. This set up a clash vs France with the winner going on to face England in the Quarter Finals and the loser facing New Zealand. France went on to win 19-13 as Canada pushed the French close.

The clash vs Romania proved to be the defining match of the group as Canada and Romania  north defeated Fiji but lost to Canada. The North American triumph, to this day, is the most significant in the history of Canadian rugby.

Canada - Romania Rugby World Cup 1991 por francho1976

Churchill Cup 2011 - Finals

The 2011 Churchill Cup Final will be a repeat fixture of the 2010 Final after the England Saxons defeated Tonga 41-14 on Sunday to win Group A and advance to face the winners of Group B, Canada. The 2010 Final was won 38-18 by the Saxons as the numerical superiority of professional players stood out. Canada, nevertheless, played positive rugby and completed what was a successful event after knocking over Uruguay and France A in the group stages. 2011 may bbe similar after Canada defeated Italy A and Russia in its two matches. The 2011 Final will be played on Saturday, June 18 in the western English city of Worcester and will be part of Finals day to also feature battles for third and fifth place. Tonga finished second in group A and will face Italy A in the battle for third place after the Italians notched up a 24-19 victory over Russia on also Sunday.



Russia´s loss, its second in two games, underlined the country´s growth as a rugby power of the future as despite making its Rugby World Cup debut at New Zealand 2011, the side is already proving to be competitive against traditional sides like Canada. The Russian Bears will take on the USA Eagles in a preview of their clash to take place at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Plymouth. The two sides met in last years Churchill Cup in Glendale, Colorado and put on a highly entertaining match in which the two sides traded the lead before the USA held firm in the final stretches to notch up a flattering 39-22 win. With both sides experiencing rapid growth the match is sure to serve as an indicator for the future. Bragging rights are also on the line ahead of the Rugby World Cup as are IRB World Rankings as the match is a full international fixture.

Fringe Players fail to impress as Argentina lose to French Barbarians in Resistencia

The Pumas squad for Rugby World Cup 2011 is closer to being confirmed following a below par performance from an Argentine side packed with experimentations vs the French Barbarians on Saturday afternoon in Resistencia. Argentina fielded a side packed with players considered as being second-string and to give them an opportunity to show why they should be selected for New Zealand 2011. Players given an ópportunity included Benjamín Macome, Julio Farías, Miguel de Achával, Leonardo Senatore, Nicolás Sánchez, Gabriel Ascárate, Juan Ignacio Gauthier and Agustín Gosio. Possibly only Senatore is likely to be selected for the Rugby World Cup.

The French Barbarians won the match 21-18 as Los Pumas, playing in a black strip, failed to score a try. The French Barbarians scored two tries and the Top 14´s highest points scorer, Romain Teulet of Castres, kicked eleven points. All of Argentina´s eighteen points came from the boot of flyhalf Nicolás Sánchez of Los Pampas XV who was making his first appearance for Los Pumas. A significant number of regular Pumas players based in Europe were rested for the encounter as coach Santiago Phelan looked to give opportunities to potential squad members. In the end the large number of players below international level proved to be insufficient and as such the French Barbarians were able to get the win. Nevertheless, the match was a highly positive experience for Argentina as it will have helped the selectors extensively in narrowing the squad down from 46 to 30 players for New Zealand 2011. Of the players in the starting XV two appear to be set to start for Argentina vs England in the World Cup clash in Dunedin. Those players being tighthead prop Martín Scelzo and secondrower Manuel Carizza. Another five loom as being in the squad of 30 but outside the match day XV, i.e. loosehead prop Juan Figallo, hooker Agustín Creevy, backrower Leonardo Senatore, scrumhalf Alfredo Lalanne and winger Lucas González Amorosino.

Despite fielding such a weakened side, the Argentine public turned out in force for the match as the recently constructed, El Estadio Centenario, received a strong crowd to underline the extensive popularity of rugby in Argentina and the capability of the country hosting Rugby World Cup 2023.

Chauncey O'Toole - Worlds best amateur player?

Man of the match for Canada in its Churchill Cup matches vs both Italy A and Russia, backrower Chauncey O´Toole has put his name up for a place in the starting side for Canada at New Zealand 2011. He was on a short term deal with the Glasgow Warriors at the start of the 2010-2011 season before being released to rerun to Canada. Glasgow went on to have a poor season, finishing near the bottom of the ladder. O´Toole use the time in Canada to prepare himself for international selection with the World Cup approaching. It seems to have worked as he has been in outstanding form for Canada and must surely be in the sights of European clubs who are shopping for new backrowers for the 2011-2012 season. The 25 year old is sure to feature for Canada at New Zealand 2011.

Tonga impress against the USA Eagles

A full IRB international match took place in England on Wednesday afternoon with the United States taking on Tonga in the Churchill Cup. It was the USA´s second match in five days while Tonga was making its first appearance in the tournament. The USA entered the match with a stronger side than the one that lost to the England Saxons on Saturday while Tonga fielded a side which was near full-strength. Tonga had its European and Japanese based professional players on the park with big names including Tonga Lea'aetoa, Pasuka Mapakaitolo and Kisi Pulu. It was, however Australian based Viliame Iongi who stared for the South Sea Islanders with a match defining four tries as Tonga impressed with a 44-13 victory which underlined the lack of depth in USA rugby and the urgent need for a professional league in the country.

The USA were not at full strength and missed plenty of first choice players, especially in the backs. Those given the opportunity to play in the match in place of professionals were unable to perform at the required level.  As such a number of players could very well have lost their places in the squad for New Zealand 2011. There were some good performances however with centre Paul Emerick scoring the USA´s only try and playing a very strong match. In all fairness the scoreline does not tell the tale of the match accurately at all. The game was far closer. After Emerick went over in the thirty-third minute the scores were 13-10 and remained as such until after the interval. The three point advantage had come from Tongan flyhalf, Kurt Morath slotting two first half penlaty and converting Iongi´s first half try. The try was from a basic error in communication from the USA´s centre and fullback as they both were guilty of ball watching rather than sticking to their opponent. The USA fought back from 13-0 with a penalty to flyhalf Nese Malifa before Emerick went over for the Eagles. The USA could have had a 17-13 lead at half time as secondrower Scott LaValla came close to scoring but knocked on late in the half. It was a case of the USA not wanting the half to end while Tonga were desparate to have a ten minute break.

The secondhalf proved to be an entirely different affair with Iongi scorign a hat-trick and Morath slotting goal after goal. After the first try the USA lose prop Shawn Pittman to a yellow card which made it tought work for the USA and enabled Tonga to get firmly on top. A Malifa penalty was all the USA could come up with while Tonga scored four tries in the secondhalf. Many due to simple errors from the North Americans. Tonga already had the game wrapped up before backrower Pasuka Mapakaitolo went over for a last minute try to see the score blown-out to give flatter the Tongans. The South Seas Islanders did deserve the win and will take a lot of confidence from it. The USA will go on to play either Italy A or Russia in its third and final Churchill Cup match on June 18 at Worcester. Tonga will face the England Saxons in Gloucester on Sunday. The winner will advance to the Churchill Cup Final to face Canada.

Argentina experiment with World Cup squad places in mind

Argentina international rugby coach, Santiago Phelan, has named a highly experiment side for the second test against the French Barbarians to be played on Saturday in Resistencia, Chaco. The side named includes many changes and interestingly there will be eight players starting who were in Los Pampas XV in this years Vodacom Cup winning side in South Africa. They are being given a once in a lifetime opportunity with Rugby World Cup 2011 places on the line. This is to be the game they have been waiting for. Next week Phelan will name a list to travel to Pensacola, Flordia, USA to undertake a conditioning program and extensive preperation in world class facilities.

Many players will be in competition with one another despite being teammates in representing Argentina. The back five of Rafael Carballo, Gabriel Ascárate, Juan Ignacio Gauthier, Agustín Gosio and Lucas González Amorosino loom as all being after the same place in the squad. Simiarly the backrow of Julio Farías,7 Miguel de Achával and Leonardo Senatore could well all be chasing what it likely to only be one spot in the Pumas World Cup squad. There are debut appearances at the top level for secondrower Benjamín Macome, winger Agustín Gosio and a brandnew 10-12 combination of  Nicolás Sánchez and Gabriel Ascárate.

Argentina

1 Juan Figallo (Montpellier, France)
2 Agustín Creevy captain (Los Pampas XV)
3 Martín Scelzo (Clermont, France)
4 Manuel Carizza (Biarritz, France)
5 Benjamín Macome (Los Pampas XV)
6 Julio Farías (Los Pampas XV)
7 Miguel de Achával (Los Pampas XV)
8 Leonardo Senatore (Los Pampas XV)
9 Alfredo Lalanne (London Irish, England)
10 Nicolás Sánchez (Los Pampas XV)
11 Rafael Carballo (Bordeaux-Begles, France)
12 Gabriel Ascárate (Los Pampas XV)
13 Juan Ignacio Gauthier (Colomiers, France)
14 Agustín Gosio (Los Pampas XV)
15 Lucas González Amorosino (Leicester Tigers, England)

Reserves: 16 Eusebio Guiñazú (Biarritz, France), 17 Bruno Postiglioni (Los Pampas XV), 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi (Racing Metro, France), 19- Alejandro Campos (Agen, France), 20 Genaro Fessia (Los Pampas XV), 21 Nicolás Bruzzone (Los Pampas XV), 22 Marcelo Bosch (Biarritz, France), 23 Gonzalo Camacho (Harlequins, England).

Agustín Pichot - best scrumhalf in the history of the Rugby World Cup?

Former Pumas captain, Agustín Pichot, who led Argentina to third place at France 2007 is one of five nominations for the best scrumhalf in the history of the Rugby World Cup. Pichot is up against All Black 1987 World Cup winning scrumhalf, David Kirk, who captained the All Blacks to their only championship title. Australia´s Nick Farr-Jones who led the Wallabies to glory is 1991 is also nominated as is the captain from 2003 who was a part of the 1999 winning side, George Gregan. South Africa´s 1995 Rugby World Cup winning scrumhalf, Joost van der Westhuizen who also played at the 1999 and 2003 tournaments has also been nominated..

So, who is the best? - Have your say - you can vote on Twitter or Facebook by accessing the Total Rugby Page on either social network.

Canada 34-18 Russia - Canadians into Chuchill Cup Final

Canada is into the Churchill Cup Final for the second year running after defeating Russia 34-18 in Esher, England on Wednesday evening. The result guarantees Canada top spot of their group after defeating Italy A on Saturday and will likely face the England Saxons in the Final. The Russian Bears will face either the USA or Tonga on the finals day depending on the result of England Saxons vs Tonga. Should Russia take on the UAS it will be a preview of their clash coming up in September in New Zealand 2011 and a great opportunity to head into the tournament with an advantage.

Chasing a three-point deficit in their final Churchill Cup pool game at Esher RFC on Wednesday, Canada played patient, tough rugby in the second half to tally 19 unanswered points and emerge 34-18 victors to earn a berth in the tournament final. In only the second ever international match betwwen the worlds two largest countries, the North Americans started strongly but had to come from behind after Russia took an 18-15 halftime lead. Canadian winger Justin Mensah-Coker scored the first points of the match with a 12th minute try which fullback James Pritchard converted. Russia hit back almost immediately with a penalty goal to flyhalf Yuri Kushnarev which Pritchard cancelled out in the 17th minute with a penalty of his own to make it 10-3. Russia the made it 10-10 in the 20th minute with a try to fullback Igor Klyuchnikov. Five minutes latter the bears were leading thanks to winger Vaily Artemyev scoring Russias second. The conversion missed but Russia were 15-10 ahead and looking strong. Canadian centre Conor Trainor hit back in the 30th minute with Canada´s second try but Pritchard missed the conversion to make it 15-15. Russia, however, went into the interval ahead as  Kushnarev slotted a penalty in the 40th minute.

Canada started very strongly after the break, mounting together phases in Russia´s half. Russia´s defense roved solid but in the 61st minute Canada finally breached the line as flyhalf Andre Monro finished off a try created by inside centre Mike Scoltz who had linked with winger Matt Evans, Pritchard and replacement Phil Mackenzie. Canada were ahead 22-18 following Pritchard´s successful conversion attempt. With Russia losing patience, Canada took control of the match to score two further tries. Man of the match, for the second game running, Chauncey O´Toole went over for an intercept try in the 70th minute as he dived over in similar fashion to English international winger, Chris Ashton. While Evans scored with two minutes remaining on the clock. Pritchard was on target to give Canada a 34-18 win.